Memorable Quotes

Friday, June 22, 2012—Great Quotes from SCBWI, Orlando

Only Disney would welcome guests by forming towels into a Mickey-isque shape and placing them on the bed to welcome guests.

Last weekend we had a wonderful SCBWI Florida, Mid-year Meeting in Orlando. We were at the lovely Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The Picture Book Track on Saturday featured Sylvie Frank, Associate Editor, Holiday House; Laurent Linn, Art Director, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Tammi Sauer, author and all-around fun person; and Linda Shute, author, illustrator, and SCBWI Florida Illustrator Coordinator.

I thought we would end this week’s study of the 2012 ALSC Notables by remembering notable quotes from these presenters which could lead to notable writing and notable picture books of our own.

Sylvie Frank, Associate Editor, Holiday House

“You need a plot.”

“Emotion [in your writing] must come from a true place in your heart.”

“Revise. Revise. Revise. Cut. Cut. Cut.”

“The best way to get better at writing picture books is to read picture books.”

Laurent Linn, Art Director, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

“Picture books are a shared vision between author and illustrator, but with the same focus and intent.”

“It’s all about the story!”

“What is a picture book in a literary sense? Flexible.”

“Picture books are to be looked at, read, and enjoyed. They can change a child’s life.”

Tammi Sauer, Author

“The trouble [in a picture book] must be trouble on a grand scale.” Mem Fox (as quoted by Tammi)

“Don’t stop believin'!”

“Show the emotion, don’t tell it.”

“Don’t force the funny.”

“Make the title and the first line irresistible.”

“When it comes to poetic devices, don’t pour on like gravy. Sprinkle like pepper.”

Visit Tammi’s web site at www.tammisauer.com.

Linda Shute, Author and Illustrator

True confessions time: I was so mesmerized by Linda’s process, product, and presentation that I soaked it in instead of taking notes. So here is a quote from Linda’s web site (www.lindashute.com) that sums her (and her presentation) up nicely.

“People often say that being an artist or writer is lonely work. But none of us works alone—not really. In actuality or in memory, we are surrounded by those we love and who love us.”